Who is chef Tom Younger on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?
With MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 heats coming to a close on BBC One, we find out more about Tom Younger, one of the chefs taking part in this year’s competition.
Tom lives in Hampshire and grew up in Brighton.
Age at start of filming
26
Job role
Junior sous chef
Chef background
“I trained at The Met in Brighton before beginning my career at a patisserie bakery. I went on to work at Lainston House Hotel - one of the most memorable places I’ve cooked. I continue to work there today.”
Who and what inspired you to become a chef?
“My mum. She cooked dinner most nights with plenty of veg.
“I started cooking after school, and she helped me get my first bakery job - driving me to interviews and preparing me along the way.”
How would you describe your style of cooking?
“Rich, bold, memorable food - dishes that leave you satisfied.”
Three ingredients you can’t live without
“Salt, chilli crunch oil, and good olive oil.”
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What you eat when you get back from service
“Either straight to bed or mackerel on toast with salt, pepper, olive oil and vinegar.”
Why did you want to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals?
“To challenge myself and prove I could do this after a previous unsuccessful attempt to appear on the show – and here I am!”
Outside of cooking what are your passions?
“The gym, staying active, and travelling to try other chefs’ food around the world.”
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